MoRTH Revises Normative Construction Periods for NH Projects

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (“MoRTH”), vide Circular dated April 6, 2026 (the “Circular”), has issued revised guidelines prescribing normative construction periods for National Highway (NH) projects executed under Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) frameworks. The revised framework replaces the earlier benchmark notified through circular dated July 16, 2013, and introduces a more structured and scientific methodology for determining construction timelines at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and bid stage, while also requiring project-specific assessment by DPR consultants.

The earlier regime largely prescribed timelines based on project length and major structures, without fully accounting for terrain conditions, extent of earthwork, tunnelling requirements or structural complexity. The Circular recognises these limitations and introduces a framework that links construction periods to project cost, terrain conditions and critical structural components.

Under the Circular, the base construction period for NH projects in plain and rolling terrain is determined with reference to total civil construction cost. Accordingly:

• projects up to ₹300 crores are assigned a base construction period of 12 months;
• projects between ₹301 crores and ₹500 crores are assigned 18 months;
• projects between ₹501 crores and ₹1,500 crores are assigned 24 months; and
• projects exceeding ₹1,500 crores are assigned 30 months.

The Circular further provides for enhancement of the base construction period based on project criticality. Additional time of up to 6 months may be allowed for projects involving significant structural components such as multiple Rail Over Bridges (ROBs) or flyovers with substantial viaduct lengths, long elevated structures, or tunnel sections. A further addition of up to 3 months is предусмотр for projects involving concrete pavement across the entire length. In addition, DPR consultants may recommend further project-specific extensions, supported by work programmes, subject to an overall cap on the enhanced construction period.

The total construction period, including such enhancements, is capped at 24 months for projects up to ₹500 crores, 30 months for projects between ₹501 crores and ₹1,500 crores, and 36 months for projects exceeding ₹1,500 crores.

The Circular also introduces compensation for terrain-related challenges. Additional time is permitted for projects in difficult geographies, including Himalayan and North-Eastern hill states, the Western Ghats, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to account for terrain conditions, extended monsoon periods, and logistical constraints.

Detailed norms have been prescribed for structurally intensive works. Construction periods for long-span bridges are provided on a graded basis depending on length and technical complexity, with timelines extending up to 72 months for large river-crossing bridges. Standalone Rail Over Bridge (ROB) projects have been standardised at 18 months.

Specific provisions have also been introduced for tunnel projects, with timelines calibrated based on geography (such as Himalayan or Western Ghats regions), tunnelling methodology (including NATM or TBM), and tunnel length. The framework also provides for incremental additions based on tunnel length and approach requirements.

The revised normative construction periods will apply across EPC, HAM and BOT project structures and are applicable to all NH projects for which the bid due date is May 6, 2026 or thereafter.

Overall, the Circular introduces a more structured and project-sensitive framework for determining construction timelines in the highway sector, with norms linked to project cost, terrain and structural complexity, and supplemented by project-specific assessments at the DPR stage.